ix, 524 pages : 24 cm

"With the development of computing has come an awakening of interest in algorithms. The purpose of this book is to offer a historical background to contemporary algorithmic practice." "Each chapter centres around a theme, more or less in chronological order, and the story is told through the reading of over 200 original texts, faithfully reproduced. This provides an opportunity for the reader to sit alongside such mathematicians as Archimedes, Omar Khayyam, Newton, Euler and Gauss as they explain their techniques. The book ends with an account of the development of the modern concept of algorithm."--Jacket

Includes bibliographical references and index

1. Algorithms for Arithmetic Operations -- 2. Magic Squares -- 3. Methods of False Position -- 4. Euclid's Algorithm -- 5. From Measuring the Circle to Calculating [pi] -- 6. Newton's Methods -- 7. Solving Equations by Successive Approximations -- 8. Algorithms in Arithmetic -- 9. Solving Systems of Linear Equations -- 10. Tables and Interpolation -- 11. Approximate Quadratures -- 12. Approximate Solutions of Differential Equations -- 13. Approximation of Functions -- 14. Acceleration of Convergence -- 15. Towards the Concept of Algorithm

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